Can I just say how much I am loving the friendly, generous and overall helpful/"paying it forward" sorta folks in the illustration business. It is so refreshing to continually meet like minded people who are encouraging and supportive, instead of the usual cut-throat mentality I have seen for so long in the business, and workplace world.
Especially now that I am seriously trying to get an illustration business off the ground, and have no real business background, it is such a gift to have a bunch of resources that other more seasoned illustrators have put together to help us newbies out. THANKS GUYS!!
I wanted to take a second and mention a few awesome websites and books that I have found to be very helpful, informative and ...well invaluable.
I'm sure most illustrators have heard of Escape from Illustration Island. If you have not, go there now!!! Because for TODAY ONLY, it's creator Thomas James has a 50%off sale on his brand new ebook 15 Steps to Freelance Illustration. I just bought it myself, and took a quick look through and it has put a humongous smile on my face!! I can't wait till the kiddies are asleep and I can get into it:) Form a glance it looks like it is chalk full of good stuff!
Another book I highly recommend is Breaking into Freelance Illustration: a guide for Artists, Designers and Illustrators, by Holly DeWolf. This one has a permanent place on my bedside table, it serves up some great inspiration when I'm feeling off track and has so many helpful insights from a ton of great illustrators-it is a must-have !
I've also been following Jonathan Woodward's blog Zero 2 Illo. Talk about being proactive(and a new father-whewww), he has developed a 12 week plan/challenge to get him (and others who have taken on this challenge) up and running with their illustration business. What a fantastic idea!! It definitely gives me loads to think about; helps me focus and prioritize my target goals; and get my head wrapped around what steps I will need to take in order to be realistically prepared and organized to "open up shop".
See what I mean?? And those are but a few of the many resources available.
Many illustrators have said that they see a huge hole in the education system. They see new illustrators coming out of art school with tons of illustration/design knowledge but little in the way of business knowledge. It is very commendable that many of these illustrators have taken it upon themselves to write their own books or articles to ensure that up and coming illustrators have access to this material and can learn from their real world experience in the illustration business.
I want to send out a big THANKS to all of you who have taken the time out of your busy careers to fill this void. All of it is so greatly appreciated!!
And I hope one day I will be able to pay it forward too!!
4 comments:
Suzanne - isn't it awesome to see all of this great info out there...you've touched upon some of the areas I've found very helpful too. I will check out zero to illo..sounds challenging and rewarding! Great post.
Shirley, it really means a TON to have such a great artist as yourself taking the time to pop over to my blog and leave such kind and thoughtful comments- this is exactly what I mean....you guys are so supportive and welcoming!! thank-you!!
Awww.. you are much too generous! Thank you, Suzanne..continued success to you!
Shirley, I have done loads of children's Book Illustrator research as I venture "head first" into this second career for myself and honestly your illustration work(and blog for that matter) are one of my all-time favorites!!
Your encouragement really is GREAT!!
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